Out of all the real estate agents in the strong markets of Florida, what are you doing to distinguish yourself from the masses? Listing appointments, a common practice of the real estate agent, doesn’t have to be monotonous. Here are a few ways to help you stand out and ensure a closed deal during your next listing presentation.

Treat it Like a Job
Interview
Because it is a job interview. Put
your ego aside and come ready to present yourself truthfully and genuinely as
the best person for this position – to help your client sell a house – and why.
Don’t be afraid to talk about your achievements alongside of your
responsibilities as their REALTOR®. And always be honest. Writer Kevin Hoover also
mentions the importance of being truthful in an Inman article from January
2019.

“The point of the listing presentation is to gain trust,”
Hoover said. “It would be counterproductive to include exaggerations or
discrepancies from the truth.”

Finally, leave a physical copy of your resume along with
your picture for them to remember you by.

Come PreparedWhatever materials or resources you help ease a seller’s concerns or
questions about the process, bring it. Fill a folder with simple checklists and
articles to aid in their understanding of how the process is going to look. You
don’t have to go over everything in the meeting as you don’t want it to be an
overload of information. Let your clients take the folder home and use for
future reference. And, of course, include your branding and contact information
so that they can reach you when they’re ready to list.

Take NotesOne of the most important characteristics of a great real estate agent is
attention to detail. However, no one person can remember everything. Taking
notes is crucial at the listing appointment.

“If you go into the presentation believing that you will
earn the client, which you should, you will need to remember the details of the
conversation if you want to maintain your level of professionalism,” Hoover
stated. “The best way to do that is to take notes.”

Before you begin writing, be sure to ask for permission. You
want to ensure that your potential clients are aware and comfortable with their
words being recorded. Most people will say yes, however, it’s important to
build that trust, especially on the first meeting. Also, use a physical notepad
and pen, rather than typing on your laptop or cell phone. While using your laptop
or cell phone isn’t necessarily wrong,
you may come across as closed-off and disengaged.

When you come back around at the end of the transaction and
refer to something they said in your listing presentation, your clients won’t
be able to hide their gratitude for your memory.

Get to Know Your
ClientsIn accordance with taking notes is getting to know your clients. You want
to ask them detailed and specific questions about their likes, dislikes,
family, and what they’re looking for in a real estate agent. Write down their
answers. If the deal is sealed, so to speak, ask for their birthday,
anniversary, and kids’ birthdays in order to stay in touch with them throughout
the year and long after their house is sold.

Express Your
GratitudeAs they say, a hand-written card goes a long way. A day or two after the
meeting, be sure to write a card thanking them for their time and attention.
Mention something in the card that was specific to your conversation. Not only
will it remind them a few days later of your services, it adds the perfect
professional touch and will showcase your attention to detail.

There are other ways to say thank you besides just a card.
You can include a gift card, a branded item such as a pen or keychain, or
anything else that will help the client remember you.

All of us at First International Title desire to see our real estate partners succeed, which is why we have many resources and flyers to help real estate agents and loan officers with their business. Reach out to your local sales executive to gain access to our many tools available for you to stand out in your market!